OHIO — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is offering residents a different way to celebrate the holidays this season. 

This year, ODNR is offering fireside retreats, breakfast with Santa and themed murder-mystery dinners at Ohio state park lodges.

“Our lodges are enchanting places to visit year-round, but they truly shine during the holidays,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “Whether you’re gathering with family, enjoying a romantic getaway, or seeking a peaceful escape, our lodges provide the perfect setting for your holiday celebrations.”

At all 10 lodges across the state, they will be decked out with nutcrackers, twinkling lights and more to give Ohioans some holiday cheer. Beyond the decorations, here are events ODNR is offering at the lodges to make the holiday season memorable: 

  • Burr Oak Lodge & Conference Center 
    • Holiday Family Movie Night and Dinner Specials | Dec: 7, 14, & 21 from 5-8 p.m.
    • Holiday Crafting | Dec. 21 from 12-2 p.m.
    • Breakfast with Santa | Dec. 25 from 8-10 a.m. (All you can eat pancakes)
  • Deer Creek Lodge & Conference Center
    • Christmas Open House Buffet | Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    • Breakfast with Santa | Dec. 8 from 9-10:30 a.m.
  • The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake  
    • 6th Annual Light Up the Lodge Weekend | Dec. 6-8
    • Dreaming of a Lodge Christmas | Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • Hueston Woods Lodge & Conference Center  
    • Breakfast with Santa | Dec. 7 from 8-11 a.m.
    • Murder Mystery – The Noel Express | Dec. 20.  Doors open 6 p.m. and starts at 7 p.m.
    • Murder Mystery – Murder at the USO | Dec. 21. Doors open 6 p.m. and starts 7 p.m. 
  • Hocking Hills Lodge & Conference Center  
    • Santa Claus is coming to the Lodge | Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center  
    • Cookies with Santa | Dec. 13 and 14 from 4-7 p.m.
  • Mohican Lodge & Conference Center  
    • Breakfast with Santa | Dec. 14, 15, 21, and 22 from 8-10:30 a.m. (Santa there until 11 a.m.)
  • Punderson Manor Lodge & Conference Center  
    • Breakfast with Santa | Dec. 1, 8, 15, and 22 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
    • Cocoa and Cookies with Santa at The Chalet | Dec. 14 from 4-7 p.m.
    • Winter Solstice Celebration at The Chalet | Dec. 21 from 4-8 p.m.
  • Salt Fork Lodge & Conference Center  
    • Breakfast with Santa | Dec. 7 from 8-11 a.m.
    • North Pole Outpost | Dec. 7, 14, and 21 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    • Murder Mystery Event – T’was the Murder before Christmas | Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.
    • Christmas Open House | Dec. 15 from 12-6 p.m.
  • Shawnee Lodge & Conference Center  
    • Breakfast with Santa | Dec. 7 from 8:30-11 a.m.
    • Cookie Decorating | Dec. 7 from 8:30-11 a.m. (during Breakfast with Santa)
    • Open House & Buffet | Dec. 8. Buffet 12-3 p.m./Vendors & Entertainment 10 a.m.-3 p.m.